Texans celebrate San Jacinto Day

The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago between Texans and Mexican troops. Sam Houston guided the Texans to a swift, decisive victory in the battle that ultimately led to the Lone Star State's independence.

By Photos by Cody Duty

on April 21, 2014 4:47 PM

Photo: Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

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A group of reenactors fire honorary shots in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

A group of reenactors fire honorary shots in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

A group of reenactors fire honorary shots in front of the San... Photo-6195746.84295 - Houston Chronicle

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Deer Park High School ROTC cadets, from left to right, Corporal Kyle Hiarker, Second Lieutenant Jorge Chapa, First Lieutenant Donald DuPont, and Staff Sergeant Jared Jeffries, present the colors in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

Deer Park High School ROTC cadets, from left to right, Corporal Kyle Hiarker, Second Lieutenant Jorge Chapa, First Lieutenant Donald DuPont, and Staff Sergeant Jared Jeffries, present the colors in front of the ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

Deer Park High School ROTC cadets, from left to right, Corporal... Photo-6195752.84295 - Houston Chronicle

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A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument... Photo-6195754.84295 - Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 10

Deer Park High School ROTC cadets, from left to right, Corporal Kyle Hiarker, Second Lieutenant Jorge Chapa, First Lieutenant Donald DuPont, and Staff Sergeant Jared Jeffries, present the colors in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

Deer Park High School ROTC cadets, from left to right, Corporal Kyle Hiarker, Second Lieutenant Jorge Chapa, First Lieutenant Donald DuPont, and Staff Sergeant Jared Jeffries, present the colors in front of the ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

Deer Park High School ROTC cadets, from left to right, Corporal... Photo-6195753.84295 - Houston Chronicle

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Sam Houston IV speaks during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

Sam Houston IV speaks during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

Sam Houston IV speaks during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto... Photo-6195745.84295 - Houston Chronicle

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Sam Houston IV signs an autograph after a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

Sam Houston IV signs an autograph after a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ... more

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument... Photo-6195748.84295 - Houston Chronicle

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Texas State Historian, Bill O'Neal recounts the battle of San Jacinto to the audience during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

Texas State Historian, Bill O'Neal recounts the battle of San Jacinto to the audience during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle took place 178 years ago ... more

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against Mexican troops. Sam Houston led the battle that ultimately led to Texas' independence. less

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument during a ceremony in honor of San Jacinto Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in La Porte. The battle of San Jacinto took place 178 years ago against ... more

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

A group of reenactors stand in front of the San Jacinto Monument... Photo-6195749.84295 - Houston Chronicle